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BioSpectrum Asia Magazine - BioSpectrum Asia August 2025

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In this issue

Resurging Funding Catapults APAC BIOTECH STARTUPS Asia-Pacific's biotech startup scene is on the cusp of a renaissance. After a tough 2024 marked by shrinking venture capital, 2025 is showing revived investor enthusiasm and a rebound in funding especially for oncology, gene therapy, and Al-driven drug discovery. With 9,905 life sciences startups now active across the region, APAC Countries are leveraging scientific innovation, government support, and new incubators to move beyond service roles and develop world-class therapeutic assets. Let's take a closer look at Asia’s startup ecosystem, evolution of investor sentiment over the past few years, and buoying biotech areas.

China approves world's first dual GCG/GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss

Innovent Biologics, Inc. has announced that China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) has approved mazdutide a first-in-class dual glucagon (GCG)/glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, for chronic weight management in Chinese adults with overweight or obesity.

1 mins

Indonesia's Health Ministry inks MoU with Philips to strengthen long-term health system resilience

Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, and Indonesia's Ministry of Health have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the transformation of Indonesia's healthcare system through clinical capacity development, digital health innovation, and the development of training centre and service hub.

1 mins

Singapore pledges contribution of $1 M to Gavi for better access to vaccines

The Singapore government has pledged a contribution of $1 million to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

1 mins

Korea supports international patients through medical sharing programme

The Korea International Medical Association, represented by Chairman Young Tae Kim, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, with the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, led by President Soon Do Cha, and GS Retail, represented by CEO Seo Hong Heo.

1 mins

New Zealand enables GPs and nurse practitioners to start ADHD treatment from 2026

From February 2026, General practitioners (GPS) and nurse practitioners will be able to start medical treatment for adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), following decisions by New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority and Pharmaceutical Management Agency.

1 mins

India approves Research Development and Innovation scheme with corpus of Rs 1 lakh cr

In a transformative step to bolster India's research and innovation ecosystem, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Research Development and Innovation (RDI) Scheme with a corpus of Rs one lakh crore.

1 mins

Torrent Pharma buys controlling stake in JB Pharma from KKR for Rs 25,689 Cr valuation

India-based Torrent Pharmaceuticals and global investment firm KKR have announced that Torrent has entered into definitive agreements to acquire controlling stake in J. B. Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals from KKR at an Equity Valuation of Rs 25,689 crore (on fully diluted basis), followed by a merger of the two entities.

1 mins

JCR Pharma licenses gene therapy platform to AstraZeneca Rare Disease unit for $825 M

Japan's JCR Pharmaceuticals has entered into a license agreement with Alexion, AstraZeneca Rare Disease, for JCR's new, proprietary JUST-AAV capsids to develop genomic medicines.

1 mins

Novo Nordisk invests RMB 800 M to expand manufacturing plant in China

Novo Nordisk has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with TEDA Administrative Commission, agreeing to invest approximately RMB 800 million in the expansion of quality testing laboratories at its Tianjin manufacturing plant.

1 mins

IHH Healthcare catalyses clinical research across global network with initial S$5 M fund

Malaysia headquartered IHH Healthcare, a world-leading integrated healthcare provider, has launched a transformative S$5 million (~Rs 34 crore) Research Grant & Innovation Sandbox programme to accelerate clinical research and innovation across its global network.

1 mins

Chugai and Gero ink $250 M deal to develop new therapies for age-related diseases

Japan's Chugai Pharmaceutical and Gero, a Singaporebased biotechnology company, have entered into a joint research and license agreement to develop novel therapies for age-related diseases.

1 mins

Australia injects nearly A$100 M in funding for emerging biomedical & medical technology solutions

The Albanese Government has awarded nearly A$100 million in funding to three organisations for emerging Australian biomedical and medical technology innovations.

1 mins

Hyphens Pharma introduces acne treatment 'Winlevi' in Singapore and Malaysia

Hyphens Pharma, a subsidiary of Hyphens Pharma International Limited, Singapore's leading specialty pharmaceutical and consumer healthcare group, has announced the launch of Winlevi (clascoterone) cream 1 per cent in Singapore and Malaysia, marking its first entry into Southeast Asia.

1 mins

Wuxi Biologics launches next-generation platform for high-concentration biologics

Wuxi Biologics, a leading global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organisation (CRDMO) in China, has announced the launch of WuXiHigh 2.0, a high-throughput formulation development platform designed for high concentration biologics.

1 mins

Indian firm Biological E partners with China's Recbio to produce HPV9 vaccine

Jiangsu Recbio Technology, a leading Chinese biopharmaceutical company, has entered into a licensing cooperation agreement, and have commenced the technology transfer of their Recombinant 9-valent HPV (HPV9) vaccine, REC603, to Biological E.Limited BE, a leading Indian vaccine and pharmaceutical company.

1 mins

M42 and GE HealthCare join forces to advance AI-enabled solutions in UAE

M42, a global health leader powered by technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and genomics, will collaborate with GE HealthCare, a global innovator in medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics and integrated, cloud-first AI-enabled digital solutions, to enhance diagnostic precision and deliver more personalised patient outcomes, marking a significant step forward in the future of smart AI healthcare in the UAE.

1 mins

DKSH and Bayer launch strategic partnership across multiple markets in Southeast Asia

DKSH Business Unit Healthcare, a strategic healthcare solutions partner and leading provider of market expansion services for pharmaceutical, over-the-counter (OTC), consumer health and medical device companies, has announced a partnership with life science company Bayer.

1 mins

Korea-Israel partnership to commercialise injectable treatment for focal fat reduction

365mc, South Korea's leading medical institution specialising in fat reduction treatments, and Israel-based Raziel Therapeutics, a global clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, have announced a strategic collaboration to jointly advance the clinical and commercial development of RZL-012 in South Korea.

1 mins

Illimis Therapeutics raises $42 M to accelerate CNS and immune disease drug development

South Korea-based startup Illimis Therapeutics has announced the closing of 58 billion KRW ($42 million) Series B financing to accelerate CNS and immune disease drug development via GAIA platform.

1 mins

Singapore-Korea partnership to apply AI in hair follicle regeneration research

Singapore-based startup NYB.AI and Pnaseer Inc., a startup based in South Korea, have announced a strategic partnership to accelerate the discovery of compounds that promote hair follicle regeneration using artificial intelligence (AI).

1 mins

AN Venture Partners announces one of the largest Japan focused biotech funds to date

AN Venture Partners (ANV), a global biotech venture capital firm, has announced the final close of its first fund, AN Venture Partners I, LP, achieving its target of $200 million (JPY29 billion), one of the largest Japan-focused biotech venture capital funds to date, and also one of the largest first-time biotech venture capital funds raised in the past year.

1 mins

DeepTek AI solution gains WHO recommendation in global fight against TB

Indian startup DeepTek, a leading medical imaging AI company, has received a significant recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its Chest X-ray AI solution for TB screening.

1 mins

HanchorBio signs $200 M deal with Shanghai Henlius Biotech to expand immuno-oncology reach

HanchorBio Inc., a Taiwan-based biotechnology startup developing innovative immunotherapies for oncology and autoimmune diseases, has announced the signing of a major out-licensing agreement with Shanghai Henlius Biotech, Inc.

1 mins

Restore Medical secures $23 M to advance medical device for heart failure therapy

Restore Medical, a clinical-stage medtech startup based in Israel, developing transcatheter therapies for heart failure, has announced the successful closing of a $23 million Series B financing round.

1 mins

UK launches multi-billionpound compute roadmap for healthcare and other sectors

Quicker health diagnoses, smarter energy supplies, tackling climate change and improved public service delivery - just some huge potential benefits of the new compute roadmap, launched by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

1 mins

PAHO launches dashboard to monitor respiratory viruses in the Americas

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a new interactive dashboard to enhance monitoring and analysis of respiratory virus circulation trends across the Americas, with the goal of strengthening surveillance and facilitating timely analysis of regional trends.

1 mins

Emergency vaccine response cuts infectious disease deaths by nearly 60%

Researchers at Burnet Institute, in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have provided the world's first ever look at the historical impact of emergency vaccination efforts on public health and global health security, with a comprehensive study of 210 outbreaks of five infectious diseases- cholera, ebola, measles, meningitis and yellow fever, in 49 lower-income countries between 2000 and 2023.

1 mins

New vaccine set for human trials in Nipah outbreak hotspot

A promising vaccine candidate against one of the world's most deadly viruses, Nipah, is ready for testing in mid-stage human trials in Bangladesh, where people now die almost every year in Nipah disease outbreaks.

1 mins

Africa to decentralise diagnostics and accelerate outbreak response

In a major step toward faster and more localised outbreak response, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) convened public health leaders from ten African countries in Yaoundé to co-develop a continental framework for decentralising laboratory services.

1 mins

US expands access to lifesaving gene therapies

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the US has announced that 33 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, will participate in the Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT) Access Model, a bold new approach to delivering cutting-edge treatments for people on Medicaid living with sickle cell disease.

1 mins

WHO recommends injectable lenacapavir for HIV prevention

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidelines recommending the use of injectable lenacapavir (LEN) twice a year as an additional pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) option for HIV prevention, in a landmark policy action that could help reshape the global HIV response.

1 mins

WHO launches bold push to raise health taxes and save millions of lives

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a major new initiative urging countries to raise real prices on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50 per cent by 2035 through health taxes in a move designed to curb chronic diseases and generate critical public revenue.

1 mins

WHO maps application of AI in traditional medicine

In a significant milestone for global healthcare innovation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released a technical brief titled \"Mapping the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Traditional Medicine\", acknowledging India’s pioneering efforts in integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with traditional medicine systems, particularly Ayush systems.

1 mins

Resurging Funding Catapults APAC BIOTECH STARTUPS

Asia-Pacific's biotech startup scene is on the cusp of a renaissance. After a tough 2024 marked by shrinking venture capital, 2025 is showing revived investor enthusiasm and a rebound in funding- especially for oncology, gene therapy, and AI-driven drug discovery. With 9,905 life sciences startups now active across the region, APAC Countries are leveraging scientific innovation, government support, and new incubators to move beyond service roles and develop world-class therapeutic assets. Let's take a closer look at Asia's startup ecosystem, evolution of investor sentiment over the past few years, and buoying biotech areas.

10+ mins

Country wise analysis of startups with funds raising

Asia-Pacific is home to 9,905 active life sciences startups, as of July 20, 2025, according to Tracxn. Of these, 4,289 have secured funding, and 1,840 have advanced to Series A or later stages.

2 mins

Biotech’s Resurgence: Innovation Amid Market Disruption or A Generational Opportunity in Innovation

The biotechnology sector is showing signs of a resurgence.

3 mins

APAC building on enough supply network for radiopharmaceuticals

The radiopharmaceutical industry is gaining ground across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, as countries not only step up development of novel therapies but also move to secure critical supply chains. From new partnerships to domestic isotope production, let's explore how APAC is building a foothold in this specialised sector.

4 mins

"HSA is adopting a forward-looking 5P Strategy to tackle challenges"

Adjunct Professor (Dr) Raymond Chua, who stepped into his role as CEO of Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in December 2024, outlines the agency's current priorities in positioning Singapore as a regional hub for biotech and medtech innovation.

6 mins

"ASEAN has become an important fulcrum in the global pharmaceutical production supply chain"

Asia-based BioDlink, a full-service Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) specialising in biologics and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), has built a strong track record over the past decade, offering integrated solutions from early-stage R&D to commercial manufacturing.

4 mins

“We plan to enter India, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam to improve the safety of researchers”

As biotech research laboratories, in both industry and academic settings, engage in increasingly complex projects worldwide, ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and the surrounding environment becomes paramount.

4 mins

“UK-India Free Trade Agreement helps deepen Genomics Collaboration”

Oxford Nanopore Technologies, a global company with its headquarters in the United Kingdom, has signed Letters of Intent with India's Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), and the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), to develop two new genomic Centres of Excellence Institutes.

5 mins

The Future Formula: What's Driving Recruitment Innovation in Pharma

The pharmaceutical recruitment process is becoming more organised, strategic, and data-driven, adapting to changing demands and needs.

5 mins

Epsilon Healthcare appoints Daniel Kaplon as CFO

Australia-based Epsilon Healthcare has announced the appointment of Daniel Kaplon to the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

1 mins

TVM Capital Healthcare on-boards Dr Su-Lin Chong as Operating Partner in Malaysia

TVM Capital Healthcare, a leading international healthcare private equity firm and operator focused on emerging markets, has announced the appointment of Dr Su-Lin Chong as Operating Partner and Investment Committee member.

1 mins

Martin Fischer steps in as President and CEO of Zeiss Greater China

Zeiss Group, an expert in Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology and Consumer Markets, has announced that Martin Fischer will officially take on the role of President and CEO of Zeiss Greater China, effective from October 1, 2025, reporting directly to Andreas Pecher, President and CEO of the Zeiss Group.

1 mins

Hong Kong launches generelated therapy trials to eradicate chronic hepatitis B infection

Researchers in gastroenterology and hepatology at the LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), have initiated multiple clinical trials exploring pioneering generelated therapy for chronic hepatitis B infection, potentially allowing patients to discontinue long-term medication.

1 mins

Researchers in India design simple sensor for liver cancer detection

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have developed a unique luminescent probe that uses terbium, a rare earth metal, to sense the presence of an enzyme called ẞ-glucuronidase, which can potentially aid in the detection of liver cancer.

1 mins

Australia develops new ultrasound imaging device to map drug delivery into brain

A new device combining ultrasound and advanced imaging to provide crucial information for the safe delivery of drugs into the brain has been developed by University of Queensland researchers in Australia.

1 mins

Singapore pilots innovative approach to diabetic foot care through 3D-printed custom insoles

Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) has piloted an innovative approach to diabetic foot care through in-house production of 3D-printed custom insoles in a cross-institution collaboration with Singapore General Hospital's (SGH) 3D printing centre.

1 mins

Japan engineers functional liver organoids with organspecific vasculature

Liver organoids with proper blood vessel networks have been successfully produced, as reported by researchers from Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan and Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in the US.

1 mins

Korean study proposes toxicity-based exposure limits for indoor airborne fungi

Airborne microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria, are major contributors to indoor air pollution, with growing links to respiratory diseases.

1 mins

Thermo Fisher introduces new assay to help advance future of precision medicine

US-based Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that the Oncomine Comprehensive Assay Plus is now available on the Ion Torrent Genexus System helping accelerate precision oncology research.

1 mins

Waters and BD's Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business to merge into one

US-based Waters Corporation and BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) have announced a definitive agreement to combine BD's Biosciences & Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters, creating an innovative life science and diagnostics leader with pioneering technologies and an industry-leading financial outlook.

1 mins

Merck unveils AAW workstation to advance lab automation

Merck, a leading science and technology company, has launched the Automated Assay Workstation (AAW), a solution powered by Opentrons, a leader in lab automation and accessible robotics.

1 mins

Agilent launches InfinityLab Pro iQ Series Mass Detectors in India

Agilent Technologies has launched its InfinityLab Pro iQ Series mass detectors in India.

1 mins

PHC announces exclusive distribution of MaxCyte ExPERT platform in Japan

The Biomedical Division of Japan-based PHC Corporation (PHCbi), a subsidiary of PHC Holdings Corporation (PHCHD), has signed an exclusive agreement with MaxCyte, Inc. to distribute the MaxCyte EXPERT platform in Japan.

1 mins

Bio-Rad launches four new Droplet Digital PCR platforms

Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. , a global leader in life science research and clinical diagnostics products, has announced the launch of four new Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) platforms.

1 mins

China's Innovative Approach to Universal Health Coverage

China has successfully implemented various medical insurance reforms and development tasks under five principles including promoting equity and accessibility, the rule of law, technological empowerment, coordinated development and safeguarding the security of the fund during the first four years of the 14th Five-Year Plan (the 2021-2025 period).

2 mins

Read all Stories from BioSpectrum Asia

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine Description:

Publisher: MM-Activ-Sci-Tech-Communication

Category: Business

Language: English

Frequency: Monthly

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine is a monthly magazine published by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communication in India. It is a leading biotechnology magazine in Asia, covering a wide range of topics related to the biotechnology industry, including:

* Biotechnology news and trends: BioSpectrum Asia covers the latest biotechnology news and trends from India and around the world.

* Biotechnology company profiles and interviews: The magazine profiles leading biotechnology companies in Asia and interviews their CEOs and other top executives.

* Biotechnology research and development: BioSpectrum Asia covers the latest biotechnology research and development from academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies.

* Biotechnology product reviews: The magazine reviews the latest biotechnology products and services.

* Biotechnology industry events: BioSpectrum Asia covers biotechnology industry events from around the world.

BioSpectrum Asia Magazine is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay informed about the latest advances in biotechnology and their potential to impact the world around us.